Immigration Papers Loss or Errors

IMPORTANT
This website has no legal value; it is simply a summary of the procedures in effect, compiled to the best of our knowledge on the date it was prepared. This information is subject to change without notice. The laws and regulations of Québec and Canada, as well as the information found on the MIFI and IRCC websites take precedence over this website.
_{Updated: 2026-10-06}

passport

If you lose your passport, contact your diplomatic mission without delay to find out about the replacement procedure. Processing times can vary considerably depending on the country.

If your passport contained a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) required for your entry to Canada, you will need to apply for a new one with IRCC once you have received your new passport. Follow the instructions for applying online for a TRV from within Canada, available on the IRCC website. If you lose your passport and TRV while outside Canada, contact us so that we can assess your options.

If you require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada by air, you will need to apply for a new one online once you have received your new passport.

CAQ for studies

If there is an error on your CAQ (e.g., in your name, study level, name of educational institution, sex, date of birth, validity dates, etc.), contact the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) at 514-864-9191 to find out whether the Ministry can correct the error.

If the MIFI informs you that the error cannot be corrected directly by the Ministry, contact us without delay so that we can advise you on the next steps.

study permit

Error on the study permit

It is possible to request the correction of a study permit when the mistake occurred during the processing of your document (ex: at the visa office or the border upon entry). If you are responsible for the error, do not follow the instructions below. You will rather need to fill out an application to extend or change the conditions of your stay as a student.

You must fill out and send a “Request to Amend Valid Temporary Resident Documents or Information Contained in the Confirmation of Permanent Residence or Protected Person Document (IMM 1436)”.

You will need to carefully follow the instructions in the application and include all requested documents. You must also insure to:

Provide a copy of your admission letter to Polytechnique and a confirmation of registration (attestation d’inscription) that you will obtain through the Registrar’s Office (and not through your online student file).
Provide a photocopy of your study permit.
Mention on the form what mistake should be fixed and if needed, provide related supporting documents.
Provide a complete mailing address, including your street and apartment number and the postal code.
Send the application through registered mail to be able to track your application. Go to a Canada Post counter for help.

ATTENTION! Processing of the application can take from one to two months. If requested, provide proof of the correction request to the Registrar (form IMM1436 and proof of mailing).

Loss of study permit

To replace a lost study permit, you will need to complete and mail an Application for a Verification of Status (VOS) or Replacement of an Immigration Document (IMM 5545).

Please remember to:

Provide your complete mailing address for the return of your study permit, including the street number, apartment number, if applicable, and postal code. The address must have a mailbox where it is safe to leave official documents.
Send your documents by registered mail so that you can track your application. You can request this service at a Canada Post counter.
Pay the $30 fee required to replace the document.

If you had to request a replacement for your renewed study permit because you never received it by mail, please contact Polytechnique Montréal’s Registrar’s Office. Provide them with the approval letter for your study permit application from your IRCC secure account, a copy of the $30 payment receipt, and the tracking receipt for your registered-mail shipment. Once you receive the replacement copy of your study permit, please send it to the Registrar’s Office.

ATTENTION! Processing your request may take one to two months, and sometimes longer. During this period, you will not be able to travel, as you will not have your original study permit in your possession, which is a required document for re-entering Canada.

International Students